Studies on the germination and seedling characteristics of the savanna palm trees

Abstract

Mode of germination and seedling characteristics of four Savanna palm trees; Borassus aethiopum, Hyphaene thebaica, Phoenix reclinata and Raphia sudanica were studied. In the course of their germination, the radicle was found to be cotyledonary in nature, and it carried the undeveloped plumule below ground before its further development. This is called cryptogeal germination which occurred in two stages: (i) preparatory germination and (ii) germination proper. Bigger seedlings were produced by larger seeds. Pinnate and palmate leaf arrangements with parallel venation were also found among these palms.

Keywords: Palm trees, germination, seedling, characteristics, Savanna, Nigeria